October 14, 2025

Tragic Mass Shooting in South Carolina Claims Four Lives

St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 14, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries during an alumni celebration for Battery Creek High School. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire as attendees sought safety. Despite the presence of armed security, the incident has reopened discussions about gun violence in the community. A vigil was held to honor the victims, as local authorities investigate the circumstances and potential suspects related to the attack.

South Carolina: Tragic Mass Shooting Claims Four Lives and Injures Twenty

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, resulted in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025. The incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. during an alumni celebration for Battery Creek High School, which was attended by hundreds of people.

The individuals who lost their lives in this tragic event include:

Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort
Chiraad Smalls, 33, from Beaufort
A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton
Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena

At least 20 others sustained injuries, with four individuals currently hospitalized in critical condition. Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like machine gun fire and described chaos outside the bar as patrons sought refuge in nearby businesses amidst the gunfire.

Authorities from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the venue was packed with attendees at the time of the shooting. In response to the violence, no arrests have been made, although law enforcement is investigating individuals considered “persons of interest.” The bar owner, Willie Turral, expressed profound sorrow and regret, noting that armed security was present during the event.

Turral shared that the evening had started joyfully, characterized by laughter and dancing before it was overshadowed by tragedy. Following the shooting, a vigil was held at the bar to remember the victims, with community members expressing their grief and shock at the violence that unfolded.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with information relating to the shooting to come forward. This tragic incident has reignited discussions surrounding gun violence in the community, emphasizing the urgent need for support to address its underlying causes.

St. Helena Island holds historical significance for the Gullah Geechee culture, being home to one of the first schools for freed slaves, the Penn Center. The tragedy has increased public awareness regarding safety and unity within the community.

Key Facts Summary

Date: October 12, 2025
Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Fatalities: 4 (Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, Amos Gary)
Injured: 20 (4 in critical condition)
Event: Battery Creek High School Alumni Celebration
Investigation: Ongoing with “persons of interest”;
Community Response: Vigils held, discussions on gun violence sparked

Frequently Asked Questions

What incident occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill?

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, resulting in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries.

When did the shooting take place?

The shooting took place early Sunday morning, on October 12, 2025, around 12:50 a.m.

How many fatalities were reported from the shooting?

Four fatalities were reported, including Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, and Amos Gary.

What was occurring at the bar at the time of the shooting?

The venue was hosting an alumni celebration for Battery Creek High School when the shooting happened.

Incident Overview

Key Feature	Details
Date	October 12, 2025
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Fatalities	4
Injuries	20 (4 in critical condition)
Event	Battery Creek High School Alumni Celebration
Investigation Status	Ongoing
Community Response	Vigils held, discussions on gun violence sparked

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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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